BMW X5 4.8is

The car being reviewed here is he 2005 BMW X5 4.8 "is". Under the bonnet is the familiar BMW 4.8 litre V8 . I say familar because this is the same engine used in high end BMW models, eg the BMW 750, the 650...and tuned this engine gives 360 hp, which is routed to a 6 speed automatic and directed to all 4 drive wheels..a very, very powerful engine, with low end torque, lots of high end horsepower...makes a great V8 big box sound. Sounds more like a traditional muscle car V8...than what you would expect from BMW. Taking a "peek" at and across the front. I noticed BMW have added some toe hooks, which is neat, and accentuates the front of the car. There's also bixenon headlamps along with sprayers which protude out of the bumpers. On the drivers side there are massive 20 inch wheels, on the front 275/40 R 20 inch..great looking tyres !..a look down the side i see 4.8 is badging indicating the correct model...the windows are tinted, but they are optional aftermarket..which complements the car. On the rear they're supercar sized tyres Portenza 315 35 R 20..thats crazy, that's huge. At the back exterior...The rear is all standard...I could see distinctive twin aluminium exhaust which comes straight from the factory fit. As well the inbedded park sensors which pair with the front park sensors ( to give front and rear radar )...also you do get a trailer hitch and that is the BMW factory hitch...round to the passenger side you get a small step breviated running board. Opening up the rear, this is probably one of my favourite tailgate designs, its a clam shell design..it has two pieces which go down, electric release and pops right open, which I can sit directly on it and drink my refeshments during the football...In the rear one thing your going to find in the X5 is the optional luggage pull out compartment, which obviously helps you load in..once you get your cases on it,..and you just roll and push it right back. Still in the rear on the side panel you will find the drive for the navigation system, as well as the 6 CD changer. Should you need more room in the rear, you have electronically adjustable back rests, save's you reaching in and pushing them forward manually...Okay stepping into the drivers seat..not down, not up, just in !...what a great driving position...the visibililty is ample, it almost rivals a Range Rover which is spectacular. Good trim across the dashboard, automatic settings for the xenon headlights. Power tilt telescope steering wheel as well as adjustable suspension..that's something you I dont normally see on other SUV's. Ok centerconsole...I see the BMW Factory Navigation System, which pairs with the audio system cd changer and radio. Below that there's the climate control..you can set youtr desired temperatures. Now on the base of the console, there are a bunch of buttons which include heated seats for both occupants. Hill descent control, which is cruise control for going down the side of a mountain. DSC which is dynamic stability traction control which goes on every time you start your car..which guarantees vehicle stability when the wheels are turning - whether you're driving, braking or being towed. Power hatch release the overide, for your front and rear park distance control button, which as soon as you slip the gear into the reverse its light goes on, shows that it is active. Tyre pressure system button. We got the gear stick for the 6 speed automatic..drop it into ride and drive, and its virtually like any other automatic, move it slightly left you go into sport mode..and then if you choose to get more aggressive than that...push it forward a downshift and then pull it forward upshift..and it becomes a manual transmission system. The sports seats are fantastic with dual power luxury front seats with electronic lumbar and memory..with luxury backseats what I like is the adjustable backrests..which obviously has your regualar tilt, but also has an articulated top..which you can curve the seat to meet your shoulders..which you can get the pefect seat adjustment for your back, plus a powerhead res as well..hmmm its comfy. The rear seats are very luxurious place to be..they'res a ton of legroom, heated seats in the rear. Now on the road its pretty common knowledge BMW build every car to be a driving machine..the X5 is no exception. You have similar gauges to the E35 M5 M spec gauges.. Driving along though it can feels like a brute truck, the steering does not feel like its power assisted...nonetheless with the V8 big box sound this car has rapidly grown in excitement on me !